The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has paid tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Prof. George W. Kanyeihamba, hailing him as a towering legal figure whose influence will endure through the many young professionals he mentored.
The Kabaka’s message was delivered by Deputy Katikkiro Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase during the launch of Under the Wings of Professor Kanyeihamba, a book authored by lawyer Alex Wavamunno.
In his remarks, the Kabaka noted that although Prof. Kanyeihamba had passed on, the principles he instilled in generations of lawyers and scholars would continue to shape Uganda’s legal profession. Citing Job 14:7, he likened the late jurist to a tree that continues to sprout new life even after being cut down, saying his legacy lives on through those he guided.
“He touched many lives, and we continue to see the fruits of his mentorship,” the message read, also acknowledging Wavamunno as one of the individuals carrying forward Prof. Kanyeihamba’s ideals. The Kabaka commended Wavamunno for documenting the life and contributions of the late jurist, describing him as a world-class constitutional scholar and a close friend of the Buganda Kingdom.
Wavamunno, who completed his postgraduate legal training at the Law Development Centre on June 19, 2026, said the book was inspired by the five years he served as Prof. Kanyeihamba’s personal assistant. He explained that the publication goes beyond the jurist’s legal career to explore his childhood, his friendship with Kabaka Mutebi, his role in Uganda’s constitutional development, and his participation in presidential election petitions before the courts.
“I have written about a legend who will never be erased from Uganda’s history,” Wavamunno said, urging young Ugandans to read the book and draw lessons from one of the country’s most influential legal minds.
Professor Rogers Barigayomwe described the publication as a valuable contribution to preserving Uganda’s legal history, noting that Prof. Kanyeihamba’s legacy was built not only through his judgments and writings but also through mentoring future generations. He said the late justice strongly believed that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” underscoring the importance of constitutionalism, ideas, and scholarship in advancing justice and human rights.
Barigayomwe further urged universities and senior professionals to prioritize mentorship, warning that societies risk losing institutional knowledge when experienced leaders fail to pass on their expertise. Lawyer Kato Tumusiime described Prof. Kanyeihamba as a fearless advocate for justice who consistently challenged corruption, abuse of office, and violations of constitutional rights.
He highlighted the late jurist’s contributions to Uganda’s constitutional jurisprudence, particularly his writings on presidential election petitions, habeas corpus, bail, and judicial independence. Retired Major Pollar Awich, Director for External Affairs in the National Resistance Movement, said Prof. Kanyeihamba’s influence extended beyond Uganda, noting his role in Kenya’s constitutional drafting process and his international recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
Awich added that the late justice played a significant role in shaping Uganda’s constitutional framework, particularly through his advocacy for human rights protections such as freedom from torture, prohibition of slavery, and the right to a fair hearing.
Former MP Medard Lubega Sseggona described Under the Wings of Professor Kanyeihamba as more than a biography, saying it reflects Uganda’s constitutional journey and highlights the importance of mentorship, courage, integrity, and the rule of law.
Prof. George W. Kanyeihamba, who died on July 14, 2025, served as Attorney General, Cabinet Minister, and Supreme Court Justice. He also contributed to the drafting of Uganda’s Constitution and was widely respected for his defense of judicial independence, constitutionalism, and human rights.
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